Initial calculations of the Tesla “lease” program included some overly optimistic values for things like gas prices as well as how much one’s time was worth (and this, how that could be saved by not having to fill up with gas). According to Wired magazine, the new calculator is much more grounded in reality, with Musk describing the changes himself

“Everything except gas prices are off by default on the new payment calculator on the website…We’ve changed the defaults to be more conservative. [In the original calculator] we included too many non-financial elements.”

Tesla has also managed to extend the financing terms from 63 to 72 months, while Musk’s resale value guarantee has now been extended to be better than “any premium sedan made in volume,” with low volume high performance models specifically excluded.

And the residual guarantee is actually pretty interesting. The S-class/7-series/A8/Jag depreciate like stones, so I have a feeling this will cost Tesla nothing: the only way I’d see a Model S depreciating faster in 3 years is if Tesla went bankrupt, so the guarantee would be worthless anyway.

[1] Although a much bigger would be talking to Kawasaki or Yamaha about designing and building a $5000, 40 hp generator/range extender for the frunk. If they did that, I’d have my order in for one.

Not TOO much: You’re talking something in volume and technology about equivalent to a 500cc motorcycle.

Where the profit would come from is WITH a range extender, the Model S could easily kill the S-Class, 7-series, A8, etc as an all-around car, and would come dreadfully close to hurting the E-class, 5 series, etc…

” WITH a range extender, the Model S could easily kill the S-Class, 7-series, A8, etc as an all-around car”

Do you have any marketing research do back that up? For distances beyond the range of a Model S, most people I know, including myself, would fly or put the miles on a rental (usually free because of accumulated points) rather than use any personal car, ICE, or electric. For me, if a Tesla was my only car, my Hertz on-demand key fob and an airplane are the only range extenders I need.

It doesn’t need to push the car. It needs to match the car’s average energy usage. The battery provides energy for acceleration, which is slowly charged back after you let off the gas. A 40HP engine running at WOT is.probably about right for a big car on the highway.

My ScanGage estimated that my old Ranger used 20-something HP on the highway. It had a curb weight of about 3300lbs and truck-like aerodynamics.

How does the value of one’s time, or gas prices for that matter, affect the lease rates and financing? Sure the price of gas affects the potential savings in operating cost vs an ICE powered vehicle but that is independent of the cost of the vehicle, residual value and interest rate/money factor.